They are so cute, they bring us so much joy. There is nothing quite like that feeling when you look at a child and think "wow, I made you..." Then they ask you for $100 bucks and you're reminded that it's because of them you can't have fancy things. YET! This episode we dissect all the things that kids require that cost money. How much are we really spending? Is it really necessary? Answers to those questions are fluid, but we're here to talk about it anyway!

Introduction:

• Greetings, fellow financial acrobats and budgeting enthusiasts! Get ready for a thrilling rollercoaster ride through the tumultuous terrain of parenting expenses.
• Cue the dramatic drumroll as we unveil the secrets behind the mysterious disappearance of your hard-earned cash when you became a parent.

Segment 1: Sponsored Spotlight - Gabb Gear for Worry-Free Adventures

• Introducing Gabb Gear, the superhero sidekick for parents, keeping kids free-range and parents worry-free.
• Shouting from the rooftops about the exclusive A For Effort discount code AFOREFFORT – because saving money is a superpower too.

Segment 2: The Case of the Vanishing Shoe Laces

• Unraveling the unsolved mystery of Amanda's son's missing shoe laces, from playground construction projects to fishing escapades.
• The whimsical world of kid accessories on the lam – where socks play hide-and-seek and gloves embark on solo adventures.

Segment 3: Parental Piggy Banks - What Do Parents Spend the Most On?

• Megan spills the beans on her financial nemesis: pants. Beware of the elusive disappearing trousers!
• Exploring the treasure trove of parental expenses, from craft supplies to winter gear, with laugh-out-loud anecdotes.
• Unveiling the conspiracy theory that kids have a secret society devoted to sabotaging new pants.

Segment 4: Extravagances or Essentials - The Parental Spending Dilemma

• Diving into the financial deep end with splurges on craft supplies, socks, and the perpetual quest for shoes.
• Unmasking the unspoken pressure of birthday party gift trends and the art of balancing commitment and retaining sanity.
• The high stakes of extracurricular activities – turning parents into financial acrobats, juggling commitments like a circus act.

Segment 5: Water Bottles and Beyond - The Hidden Costs of Parenthood

• Commiserating over the bottomless pit of expenses called water bottles and the ill-fated saga of dollar store solutions.
• A cautionary tale about specific sports water bottles – a recipe for confusion and potential financial chaos.
• Debunking the myth that spending more equates to superior parenting and exploring states that proudly top the charts in kid-related expenditures.

Segment 6: Crunching the Numbers - The Average Cost of Raising a Child

• Breaking out the calculators for a hilarious exploration of percentages and averages in the world of parental finance.
• Reassuring parents that kids can be as expensive or as budget-friendly as you decide – with a side of laughter.

Conclusion:

• Encouraging parents to embrace the financial chaos, make memories, and perhaps reconsider that impulse buy of the latest gadget.
• Issuing a call to action for listeners to share their funniest and most frugal parenting moments for future episodes.
• Signing off with a reminder that while kids may come with a price tag, the priceless moments far outweigh the cost.